Getting Started with GitHub Copilot: Your AI Coding Assistant

Photo by Roman Synkevych on Unsplash

GitHub Copilot is revolutionizing the way developers write code by offering AI-powered assistance directly in your favorite IDE. If you’re curious about how to start using this powerful tool, follow this step-by-step guide to unlock its potential.

Step 1: Ensure Compatibility 🖥️

Before diving in, make sure your development environment supports GitHub Copilot. It’s available for popular IDEs such as:

• Visual Studio Code
• JetBrains IDEs (e.g., IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm)
• Neovim

Ensure your IDE is updated to the latest version for optimal performance.

Step 2: Sign Up for GitHub Copilot ✍️

Visit the GitHub Copilot page and log in with your GitHub account. You may need to subscribe to a plan — free access is available for students and verified individuals.

Step 3: Install the GitHub Copilot Extension 🛠️

1. Open your IDE.
2. Navigate to the Extensions/Plugins section.
3. Search for GitHub Copilot and click Install.

Step 4: Sign In to GitHub 🔐